THE RESIGNATION OF MR. HENDERSON

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3162, 14 August 1917, Page 5

THE RESIGNATION OF MR. HENDERSON

GREAT EXCITEMENT IN BRITAIN STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE A CONTENTIOUS ISSUE ! EX-MINISTER'S DUAL ROLE London, August 12. ihere is much excitomont in Labour circles throughout tho United Kingdom, and scores of impromptu conferences discussed the vote on the Stockholm Coni'erenco when they received the news of Hγ. Henderson's resignation. Upon the facts disclosed, Labour people generally condemn Mr. Henderson for failing to inform the Labour Conference of the Russian communique. Important Labour societies have already arranged to protest against 'Friday's verdict (the decision to seud deeigatra "to Stockholm), which iivay be reversed by a referendum c. f trade unions or by cencral consent. That Mr. Henderson is deliberately provoking a trial of strength bttween organised Labour and the Government is regarded as improbable. There is no indication of the growth of paciiiism among tho workers, and it is unlikely that Mr. Henderson will more closely identify himself with Mr. Ramsay Macdonald. It is expected that Mr. George Barnes will succeed Mr. Henderson in the War Cabinet. The House of Commons will consider the situation on Monday—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FRIDAY'S DECISION. NOT A SIGN OP WAI?-WEAKNESS. (Dec. August 13, 9.30 p.m.) London, August 12. Mr. J. A. Thomas, M.1 , ., speaking at Cardiff, said that he interpreted Friday's decision not as a sign of war-weakness, but of the determination of Labour that peaco should not be made behind the backs of tho people.—"The Times." THE LETTER OF RESIGNATION EMBARRASSING- DUAL POSITION. London, August 12. Mr. Henderson's letter of resignation to Mr. Lloyd George says: "I gathered from our interview that my retention of the secretaryship to the Labour Party was no longer compatible with membership on tho War Cabinet. Recent experiences impressed on me the embarrassing complications arising from this duality of office." Mr. Henderson expressed the hope that in a non-Government capacity he will be ablo to render some little assistance in helping to fulfil 'the Government's desire to carry the war to a successful conclusion.

Mr. Henderson, in an interview, said lie had no arrangement, with his colleagues in the Cabinet whereby he undertook.;to convey the latest attitude o? tho Russian Government, as outlined in M. Kerensky's telegram to Mr. Lloyd George. Ho added: "I received no messages from Russia on Friday. I had several placed before me, but not of Friday's date."—Aiw.-N.Z. Cable Assn.Kouter. POST OFFERED TO MR. BARNES (Bee. August 13, 9.30 p.m.) London, August 12. Mr. Barnes has been offered the succession to Mr. Henderson in the War Cabinet, but has asked for lime to consider. His acceptance, with the unanimous approval of his Labour colleagues in the Cabinet, is considered certain. Mr. Henderson's statement in the House of Commons on August 13 is anxiously awaited. A leading Minister suggests that only a general election will solve a. serious crisis.—United Service.

PRESS COMMENT MR. HENDERSON'S OMISSION. London, August 12. The newspapers lay emphasis on Mr. Henderson's omission in not disclosing his information regarding M. Kerensky's attitude. The messages, they say, made it clear that M. Kerensky did not desire the Stockholm Conference, and that the Russian delegates in no senso represented the Government's views, nor were they able to pledge it. The Labour Conference regarded Mr. Henderson as the Government's mouthpiece, aud supported him, l>elieving 'that they were thus backing up tho Government.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

[Mr. A. Henderson, addressing the Labour Conference, stated, that the Russians wanted a binding conference to disuuss peace terms. He had pointed out to them that only Governments could negotiate peace; but finding a conference inevitable, he considered it inadvisable and dangerous for the Russians to confer with the enemy without hearing the British side. He had no alternative to recommending the British delegates to attend, provided that satisfactory conditions were laid down. He believed that a consultative conference would bo productive of good in enabling the German Minority Socialists to inform the German people of facts which had been withheld from their knowledge.]